Well, 2024 has come to an end and we’re getting ready to cross over into a new year. Welcome 2025!
I imagine most people are eagerly ready to “start over” with a clean slate. There may be regrets of things not accomplished this year though, and maybe relationships gone bad, or perhaps we just need to regroup and get ourselves and our priorities straight.
Or maybe in some rare case you are one of those who did everything right and all went according to your expected script and plan. Probably not though!
I remember saying to my husband at the beginning of last year, “Babe, this is going to be our year!” And, what a year it proved to be. Not at all what I was expecting, that’s for sure. We faced obstacles and distractions this year which I could never have imagined up. Don’t take that the wrong way, there were good things in the year, but there were a lot of negatives which made some days and months really difficult. So, yes, I’m ready to begin anew…who’s with me?
Are you making New Year’s resolutions? Are you setting goals? Are you attempting to “do better” in any area of your life this year? Do you have a word or phrase you’re latching onto as a theme for the upcoming year? Are you writing it down or is it just in your heart? Will you share for accountability sake or keep it to yourself in case you fall short?
There are so many factors and layers to our resolves, aren’t there? Is your major goal a spiritual one? Is it physical, like losing weight or eating better? Is it mentally, perhaps not letting emotions drive the proverbial car of life? What about relationally? There’s financial aspects or maybe you desire to be a better leader or get ahead in your career. There are countless areas of life in which we may choose to turn our focus.
The question is: which area of focus will make the biggest impact in the most areas of our lives?
My friend, I think the only AND best answer to that question is to focus on the spiritual aspect. When that’s in line, alive and well, most other issues will fall into place.
Life may not always be perfect, but if we’ve got a good grip on Jesus, we’ll be more able to successfully handle all the other things which come our way.
I believe keeping God, and the things which pertain to Him, front and center will allow us to rest, grow, and be successful in EVERY other aspect of life.
The verse says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
When we keep Him front and center, we will treat ourselves and others well. We will be more prone to make the right choices each day, which will keep us walking the right path relationally, financially and even physically. When we focus on what God wants, our career takes a backseat to the will of God and our spiritual life can soar in faith knowing that He will provide what’s best for us, whether it’s a raise, promotion or a new job entirely. When we allow God to be first, we can take on each day with confidence, realizing that He has our back and will always help us mentally and emotionally. When obstacles and distractions do arise in our daily walk, we can have the assurance that God is in control and is fighting for us - He wants us to come out winners. He wants us to be victorious! He gave His life so it could be so!
So, whatever we’re leaving behind in 2024, really leave it there. Let’s go into the new year with fresh resolve and determination - not in what WE can do but in whose we are and what HE is capable of doing in us. God-fidence!
I began choosing words for the year approximately seven years ago. My first word was joy. I’ve also chosen grace, believe, and hope throughout the years. The word I’m choosing to cling to for myself this year is “discern.” Starting with Matthew 6:33 in full focus.
I want to choose what’s best, according to God’s ways, in everyday life and in response to every situation I encounter. I want my actions and thoughts to be pure and with right motives. I want the best response to people’s comments and actions. I want to choose wisely my “spending” habits financially, relationally and emotionally. I want to choose wisely for the physical needs of my body and mind. I want to grow spiritually. I want to discern correctly in every area and situation life brings to me this coming year.
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17
I encourage you to choose a word, phrase, verse or thought to live by too. What do you need to focus on or work on within your own life? Where do you want to see positive growth and change when reflecting next year at this time? Are you satisfied with where you are right now? Write it down, make some art with it, share it here in a comment, but most of all, make a commitment to God to follow through with it.
We all have some growing and becoming to continue. We all can do better and lead someone else to strive for more too. That’s what I’m here doing today. Won’t you join me on this new journey in 2025? We need to cheer each other on and allow God to grow us daily. There are enough naysayers and negative stories throughout our days, let’s come together and be there for each other — and keep God in the front and center of our every day.
Happy New Year and God’s blessings upon you and yours ~
Ready? Set. Go!
P.S. If you have a day in which you struggle or fall, just get back up and keep going. Sometimes we need to be our own cheerleaders. Ask me how I know. 😊
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